FERGUS – Police are looking for help to identify the man responsible for lewd conduct involving a child in a bathroom, presumably at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.
The incident occurred at around noon on March 14, during March Break.
“An unknown suspect attended a facility located on Belsyde Avenue East … and entered the men’s bathroom,” stated a March 26 press release from the Wellington County OPP.
“While inside, a young child noticed suspicious behaviour and notified an employee.
“The suspect male subsequently fled from the facility in an unknown direction. No injuries were reported.”
Pressed for more details, OPP spokesperson Matthew Burton told the Advertiser “the suspicious activity is sexual in nature and has a voyeurism aspect to it.
“I can also disclose that a child was involved in the incident.”
Despite an appeal from police for witnesses, Burton refused to say where the incident took place.
“I reached out to the facility prior to releasing the media release and was not given permission to disclose the name of it,” he stated in an email.
Officials at a number of other “facilities” along Belsyde Avenue, including a church, school and retirement home, confirmed the incident did not occur at their locations.
Centre Wellington spokesperson Kendra Martin did not deny the incident took place at the township-owned sportsplex.
Asked if the municipality has any other information that could help catch the suspect, she told the Advertiser to contact the OPP.
“Because this is an active investigation, we are unable to provide any specific details or comments,” she stated in an email.
As for why it took nearly two weeks for police to tell people about the incident, Burton was short on details.
“This is still an active ongoing investigation, and investigators are exploring every lead at their disposal, and are now seeking public assistance in the event anyone may have witnessed the suspect or the event,” he stated.
Police have described the suspect as a white man aged 50 to 60 with long dark grey hair and full beard, wearing a green jacket and blue jeans.
Anyone who may have seen the suspect or who has video surveillance in the area can call police at 1-888-310-1122.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at csgw.tips.
